LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES

The Latin American Studies Center offers three academic programs for undergraduates: the Latin American Studies Major, the Latin American Studies Minor, and the Latin American Studies Semester (LASS).

The Latin American Studies Major is an interdisciplinary program with a focus on the study of social problems of Latin America. Latin America's art, literature, and religious thought have been universally recognized for their high quality and contribution to world civilization. At the same time, extreme social inequality persists in Latin America in addition to rapid urban growth, dramatic ecological change, and political upheavals with powerful local and global implications. The Latin American Studies major offers a variety of courses that examine these issues. To complete the major, students must take twelve 3-credit courses in Latin American Studies, and demonstrate a reading and speaking knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR

The Latin American Studies Minor enables students to combine the requirements of their majors with the study of Latin America. It is designed to be of particular value to students who intend to engage in technical, professional, business, or government work involving Latin America. To earn the minor, students must complete six 3-credit courses in subjects with a Latin American emphasis, and demonstrate a reading knowledge and speaking facility of Spanish or Portuguese.

LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES SEMESTER (LASS)

The Latin American Studies Semester (LASS) is a 15-credit total immersion, interdisciplinary program designed to teach students to speak Spanish or to greatly increase their Spanish language fluency in one semester. The course meets daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and includes, in addition to Spanish language skill acquisition, the study of Latin America through social science, literature, and film. The highlight of the course is a trip to Mexico during the Spring Break. LASS is offered each spring semester.

Distinction in Major

Latin American Studies majors may graduate with distinction in the major if they have a GPA of at least 3.5 in the major and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.